15 Oct 5 Tips for Online Dating Safety

(Photo by Jack Finnigan on Unsplash)

Commentary, Arionna White 

As recently as the early 2000s, if you wanted to meet someone new, you had to leave the house, maybe go to a party. Or you could have a friend hook you up, and it would probably be a blind date; maybe, if you were lucky, you got a picture. You did not get a full page to look at with bio and interests laid out for you to swipe right or left on. 

Now, in 2025, things have completely changed.

This is the age of social media, where dating online is now one of the most popular forms of meeting someone. On Instagram and dating apps like Hinge, people are flocking to the internet to hopefully meet their match. We swipe, choose based on photos, and pray we are meeting the person of our dreams and not someone with bad intentions.

But while swiping makes it easy to set up dates, it can also come with risks, something that Antioch Police made clear in a recent report.

Chief Joe Vigil told the Antioch Police Oversight Commission on Sept. 15 that there was a 58% rise in rapes reported from January to July of 2025 over the same period last year and said there had specifically been “a spike” in cases where the victim had been drugged and in date rape cases stemming from contact that was initiated online.

So what can you do when most socializing begins online? 

You can start with the understanding that the internet is still unpredictable and people can create the perfect persona online. The best thing you can do is ensure you are making your safety a priority. 

Here are tips you can follow to help keep you safe while dating online.

1. Keep your life private

When dating, it’s normal to want to share things about your life, but be cautious. There are things you shouldn’t let anyone and everyone know immediately.  You shouldn’t tell a new online dating prospect where you work, exact places you frequent, or where you live. This helps reduce the chances of unwanted interactions with someone you might have spoken to but decided not to continue communication. Be careful. You never know what someone’s motives could be. It is OK to protect yourself and have safe spaces.

2. Do not ignore the red flags

Red flags: If you see them, run! It is OK to be aware and not agree with what someone is saying and doing. Social media and dating apps give you a good peek into a person’s personality from messages they send to what they follow are indicators of who they are. A lot of times, we get so absorbed in the physical attraction we have with someone that we ignore fundamental red flags such as lying, being OK with cheating, and overall just not aligning with your values.

Ask questions to get to know the person behind the good looks.

Remember, if someone shows you who they are, believe them.

3. Meet in public

There are plenty of ways to get to know each other that do not involve home visits. Do not allow yourself to get persuaded into the date being at one of your homes. For your own sanity, boundaries and overall safety, it is better to have your dates in public settings. You may find yourself in compromising situations, uncomfortable expectations, or feel as though you cannot simply walk away when you are in someone’s home.

Adventure out for your dates. You can always date at home when you know them better.

4. Be aware of your surroundings

Know your surroundings and pay attention. It is easy to say but harder to practice. When you go out, you have to keep a level of awareness at all times. It is good to know the company you are around and if anyone sketchy stands out to you.  With there being a rise in date rapes occuring, you should not leave your drinks unattended. If you do, it is easy to order another drink instead of taking the risk to avoid being rude.

Be aware and remind yourself it’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Share your location and have a safe word

I know it seems over the top, right? Wrong! A safe word you can send or say to someone when you need to get out of a situation without alarming the other party you are with is important. The best practice is to give the person or people you give the safe word, access to your location as well. That way, if you need them to come pick you up or send help, they know exactly where you are. You never know what can happen, and it could save your life. So pick a family member or a friend that you trust to act fast if you need them.

You need a village even when you are no longer a child.

Bottom line:  Online dating can be fun, and let’s be honest, with how busy life gets, it is simply easier to use an app. But prioritizing your safety is important. Ensure you have a plan. Don’t ignore the red flags, protect your privacy, date in public areas, and be aware of your surroundings. You want to create great memories, not everlasting scars.